Abstract

Objectives This study was done to determine the risk
factors, management practices and awareness about
diarrhoea.
Methods It was a cross sectional study done in a semi
urban and rural areas of South Canara district of India in
February 2013. A total of 167 households (575 study
population) chosen systematic randomly were visited and
one adult member in each house was interviewed. The
houses were also inspected to assess the living conditions.
Results Mean age of study population was
31.1 ± 20.2 years. The period prevalence of diarrhoea was
69 (12 %). Commonest associated symptoms in cases of
diarrhoea were fever 30 (43.4 %) followed by abdominal
cramps 29 (42 %). Nearly half of the cases with diarrhoea
34 (49.3 %) did not take any medications. Commonest
treatment taken was allopathic medicines 26 (37.8 %)
followed by home remedies 8 (22.9 %). Age B10 years
(p\0.001) was associated with risk of developing
diarrhoea using binary logistic regression analysis. Among
the 167 participants, awareness level about the disease was
poor among 16 (9.6 %) and moderate among 149 (89.2 %
participants). Awareness level was more among females
(p = 0.001) and literate participants (p = 0.013). One
hundred and sixteen (69.5 %) participants were not aware
of any sign or symptom of dehydration other than loose
stools. Majority of the participants 138 (82.6 %) preferred
home remedies as the initial management of diarrhoea.
Misconception about fluid restriction in diarrhoea was
stated by 12(7.2 %) participants.
Conclusion Public education program on proper feeding
and management practices is required to address the various
issues identified and for containment of diarrhoea cases
in future.